How to Grow Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Techniques
Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Liliaceae family and also a traditional Chinese medicinal material with high efficacy. Its main medicinal part is the tuberous root of the plant, which has effects such as promoting body fluid and moistening the lungs, quenching thirst and relieving cough. It has a wide planting area in southern China, and its planting area is also constantly expanding. So how exactly should dwarf lilyturf be grown? Below, the editor brings you the cultivation techniques for dwarf lilyturf. Let's take a look!
1. Land selection and preparation
For dwarf lilyturf cultivation, choose soft, fertile sandy soil with normal drainage and irrigation. The previous crop in the soil must not be dwarf lilyturf, and continuous cropping is prohibited. After harvesting the previous crop, do a good job of land preparation by deeply plowing the soil about 22 cm and repeatedly harrowing it to ensure the soil is sufficiently soft and level. If the soil area is large and uneven with pits, build soil ridges to facilitate later management, drainage and irrigation. During land preparation, also apply sufficient base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly decomposed farmyard manure, which should be fully mixed with the soil to improve soil fertility. Finally, make beds and prepare for planting.
2. Planting and seedling raising
The main planting method for dwarf lilyturf is division. In early April each year, select robust plants with bright color and no pests or diseases. Cut off the tuberous roots and surrounding fibrous roots to make them independent plants. Then cut the stem base of the tuberous root down to the point where the white part appears at the root, and plant promptly. Pay attention to the weather when planting; it is not suitable to plant on rainy days. Control the row and plant spacing well, and dig planting furrows about 5 cm deep. Then apply fertilizer in the planting furrows before planting. After planting, cover with fine soil and press it firmly to prevent the seedlings from lodging.
3. Field management
Dwarf lilyturf likes to grow in a cool and humid environment, and the planting spacing is relatively large, so intercropping can be done appropriately. Generally, in seasons such as spring and autumn, crops with low nutrient requirements such as corn are planted. However, in winter and spring, because this is the growth and development period of its tuberous roots, intercropping is not allowed at this time to prevent nutrient deficiency, which would lead to reduced yield of dwarf lilyturf. Then, during the planting process, also do a good job of cultivating and weeding. After about two weeks, begin weeding with shallow hoeing about 3 cm deep. June to September is the peak growth period for weeds, so during this period weeding must be done once a month to prevent weeds from competing for the nutrients needed for dwarf lilyturf growth.
4. Water and fertilizer management
Dwarf lilyturf has a relatively large demand for nutrients, so during its entire growth period it should be topdressed at least 3 times. However, the specifics should also depend on the planting region, variety and actual growth conditions of the dwarf lilyturf. But the fertilizers are mostly decomposed human and livestock manure water, supplemented by compound fertilizers such as superphosphate. Then in high-temperature seasons such as summer, the water evaporation rate of dwarf lilyturf speeds up, so it should be watered in time. If the soil is too dry, water frequently, especially in winter and spring, to meet the water needed for tuberous root growth. But water should not be excessive either. When watering too much or encountering the rainy season, also pay attention to drainage to prevent pests and diseases and reduce yield.
The above is a brief introduction to how to grow dwarf lilyturf. When planting, we should also pay attention to pest and disease control. Avoid serious pest and disease damage to dwarf lilyturf, which would hinder growth and reduce the economic benefits of planting. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.